The seventh annual Democratic Social will honor community leader and longtime Democratic supporter Pat Bryant, who with her late husband Dr. Joe Bryant, served Wilson County for several years.

The event will be Saturday in the East-West Building at the Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon. There will be a chili contest, and both silent and live auctions. Tickets are $10 and can be bought at the door from members of the Wilson County Democratic Party, or by calling 615-444-3838. The chili recipes will be judged from 5-5:30 p.m. and serving will begin afterward. There will be many varieties of chili, hot dogs, drinks and desserts all included in the admission price.

Bryant moved to Lebanon with her now late husband when he set up his medical practice and she started her dog grooming business. She has two children who live in Lebanon, Laura Honeyman, retired from Wilson County schools, and Frank Bryant. She has three grandchildren, William, Cody and Patti. After her children were older, Bryant decided to continue her education and received a bachelor’s degree from Cumberland University and a master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

Bryant has led the community and was a consistent supporter of the Democratic Party. She served on the Wilson County school board for more than 20 years. In addition, she has pursued several interests, including becoming a Master Gardner and an active supporter of Cumberland University, where she has funded scholarships and even directed traffic at the Nashville Symphony concert.

She is an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Lebanon, and funded the construction of a new chapel in memory of her late husband. She served as president of the Democratic Women of Wilson County and as a longtime member of the executive committee of the Wilson County Democratic Party. She also served the 17th Senatorial District on the Tennessee Democratic Party Executive Committee from 1982-2006. Bryant was honored to be a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1984. Bryant is also a local businesswoman, as the owner and operator the local television station, WJFB, and for fun is a member of the Birthday Girls.

“The party is honored to recognize Pat Bryant’s accomplishments and her community involvement,” said Diane Wilde, chair of the Wilson County Democratic Party. “Wilson County is a much better place because of Pat and her family.”

The Democratic Social and Chili Cook-Off is the major fundraiser for the year for the party. All Democrats in Wilson County are invited to have an evening of fun and fellowship honoring a wonderful Democrat and supporting their local party, Wilde said. In addition to hearing fun stories of Mrs. Bryant’s career, there will be a lot of good food. There will also be some exciting and unusual items in both the live and silent auction, according to Wilde.

Anyone who would like to buy tickets in advance may call 615-444-3838. Those who would like to enter the chili cook-off may contact Marilyn Bryant at 615-444-0457.

The Wilson County Democratic Party meets the second Monday of each month in the School Exhibit Building at the Fairgrounds in Lebanon. The Wilson County Democratic Women meets the second Tuesday of the month at the Gentry Building at the Fairgrounds in Lebanon. For more information, call 615-444-3838. Events and information can also be found at wilsoncodp.org or on Facebook at Wilson County Democratic Party.